Since Bob Nutting hired Travis Williams as president of the Pirates back in November of 2019, it has been a top priority to strengthen the organization¡¯s connection with its fan base. Enhancing the experience of attending games at PNC Park continues to be a major element of that strategy, and on Thursday, the team announced several improvements that will be in place at the ballpark for the start of the 2023 season.

One key enhancement will be noticeable at the gates, where the Pirates partnered with Evolv Technology to simplify the entry process and reduce the amount of time that guests spend waiting in line. The state-of-the-art screening system uses sensor technology with artificial intelligence to provide accurate threat detection without requiring fans to stop or open bags.

Fans will experience a variety of additional enhancements inside the ballpark, all aimed at improving the speed of service and quality of food offerings and decreasing congestion on the main concourse.

In partnership with Aramark, the Pirates will debut a family-friendly, walk-in market on the first-base side of PNC Park, a fan favorites market on the third-base side, and several new beer markets. These new concepts will allow fans to walk through the concession stand and select food and beverage items with ease. Each will also feature Mashgin kiosks, a touchless self-checkout system that will enable guests to quickly scan items, pay and be on their way.

¡°As we continue to enhance PNC Park, our goal is to build upon what makes it so special and provide an exciting and memorable game-day experience,¡± Williams said. ¡°The improvements to our main concourse come after discussions with our fans. They want more of the popular items made at a high quality, served more quickly and as conveniently as possible. These upgrades to improve entry into the ballpark, the flow of the concourse, and the speed of service are a direct result of that feedback.¡±

Additional technology upgrades include the expansion of self-ordering kiosk systems at food stands throughout Pops¡¯ Plaza, down the left-field line. This will allow fans to place orders at multiple stands in one transaction, avoiding multiples lines and decreasing wait times. The Pirates are also installing new concession stand equipment, condiment carts, digital signage, and drink rails.

In addition, new graphics will be displayed throughout PNC Park¡¯s main concourse in celebration of the rich history of baseball in Pittsburgh. Among the highlights: the ballparks the Pirates have called home (Exposition Park, Forbes Field, Three Rivers Stadium and PNC Park), key moments in Pirates history, Pirates yearbook covers through the years, famous sayings of Pirates broadcasters, and banners representing the Pirates, Pittsburgh Crawfords and Homestead Grays championships and Hall of Fame players.

Last month, the Pirates announced additional improvement projects, including a new LED scoreboard, fascia ribbon boards and in-park sound system. Among the new scoreboard¡¯s many impressive features is a display area twice as large as the previous version, stunningly clear images, and wider viewing angles.